Animal Encounters

Animal Encounters

Book an Animal Encounter today and get even closer to animals! Get nose-to-beak (or snout) with National Aviary Animal Ambassadors! Hang out with a sloth, hold a stunning bird of prey on your gloved hand, or spend quality time with a penguin, while learning about these unique birds and mammals from a National Aviary expert. National Aviary Members receive a discount on all Animal Encounters!!!!

Monthly Pop-Up Encounters! 

THIS SUMMER ONLY: Gear up for something special… limited-time, rotating Pop-Up Encounters featuring fan-favorite National Aviary Animal Ambassadors! Mark your calendars for a Skunk Painting Encounter (back by popular demand) in June, a Penguin Painting Encounter in July, and an Armadillo and Friend Encounter in August. More details and registration coming soon!

Get ready, get set, flamin-GO to the only opportunity to hand-feed flamingoes at an AZA-accredited facility in Western Pennsylvania during our Flamingo Feeding Encounter! Or opt for a Penguin Painting Encounter and watch as one of our charming African Penguins waddles across a canvas to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece FOR YOU TO TAKE HOME!

In The News

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Pitt falcon fledglings fly the Cathedral of Learning coop, but likely linger in Oakland | 90.5 WESA

Falcons born at the Cathedral of Learning have also been found nesting in Ohio, New York, and Ontario.

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National Aviary reveals genders of its newest African penguins | WTAE

The National Aviary revealed the genders of its newest African penguins on social media Tuesday. The penguins hatched in early February, and they are the offspring of penguin parents Bette and Sidney.

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National Aviary reveals genders of its newest African Penguin chicks | WPXI

Another aviary resident, Red the Scarlet Macaw, helped with the reveal, opening bird safe “candies.”

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National Aviary reveals genders of 2 new African penguin chicks | CBS News

With the help of a scarlet macaw, the National Aviary revealed the genders of its newest African penguins on Tuesday.

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3 young peregrine falcons on Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning fledge the nest | KDKA News

The three young peregrine falcons that hatched on top of Pitt's Cathedral of Learning this spring have fledged the nest.

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